Alisa Gmelich

As a vision-driven restaurant executive with over 25 years of experience serving as a trusted advisor in the retail and restaurant industries, I’m at my best using my exceptional business acumen, collaborative mindset, and strategic leadership skills to ensure profitable brand development and drive growth. Frequently referred to as resourceful and a positive influence, some of my core competencies include: ✏ Strategic Brand Development ✏ Multi-Channel National & Local Programs ✏ New Product Launches / Rollouts ✏ Business Planning & Calendar Development ✏ Positive Client, Franchisee & Key Stakeholder Relations ✏ Team Building, Oversight & Mentorship ✏ Focus Groups / Advanced Data Research & Analysis ✏ Written Corporate Communications / PR ✏ Menu Pipeline Development ✏ Cross-functional Project Management ✏ Big-Picture / Innovative Thinker ✏ Board Communications I consider myself to be a continual learner as I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Art History, I was invited to and completed courses with the prestigious McDonald’s Hamburger University, and I am certified at the Greenbelt level in Six Sigma. I am a creative problem solver and will find a way to solve any challenge I’m given. I also have a genuine interest in people and am a compelling storyteller… I am an influential presenter and equally confident in a room of 10 or 1000. I truly enjoy working in collaborative environments where I can both learn from and mentor others, and I believe successful leadership comes initially from leading by example, then giving people enough autonomy to let them share the vision. I have a relentless focus on how teams can work smarter, not harder, and I believe my years of experience serving in the high-pressure world of marketing combined with my self-starting personality has helped shape my current success. I am driven and dedicated to making a difference. I am a proud member of the IHOP team where I have worked with my team to develop promotional partnerships that offer an entirely new experience for families such as “The Grinch” and “The Addams Family” campaigns. We have also launched multiple platforms including “Ultimate Steakburgers” and “Flip’d”, a fast casual format. 🏊 When I’m not on the job, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching my two kids compete at the Jr. Olympic level in swimming, hanging out with our two Doodles 🐾, going to concerts, and spending time outdoors, specifically hiking and biking throughout Southern California. ☞ I would welcome conversation and look forward to connecting!